Life begins in Colombo

I forgot to mention that on our first day in Colombo we booked ourselves into an apartment block (address above) having heard from various sources how hard they are to come by. Definitely not feeling too hard done by as we are in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom serviced apartment with satellite tv, gym, sauna and use of the neighbouring hotel pool. Downstairs there is a small shopping complex where I can get decent coffee, snacks, a great food court, supermarket and it's very central. So we've fallen on our feet even if it is taking the whole of Duncan's UN allowance!

Meet up for coffee with a friend of a friend, Robyn who whilst based in Sydney travels far and wide with her work as a consultant to various development focussed organisations. Currently she is completing a project for the World Bank in Colombo and is here for another week and offers to show us the ropes. On day one this consists of a route march (!) which nearly kills me, up the main road for a couple of kms which isn't far I know but it's hot and you have to keep a constant eye on your feet to avoid falling into a 6ft pothole. Arrive at this beautiful and well known shop called Barefoot - run by a Sri Lankan family for the last 20 years it specialises in fabrics, craftwork, has a bookshop, homewares, gallery, a cafe (though no proper coffee -?????) and on sunday afternoons, jazz. Bliss. Then over the road to Paradise Road - upmarket homewares and Sri Lankan handicrafts, then next door to Geoffrey Bawa's old office (renowned Sri Lankan architect) which is now The Gallery Cafe - open setting with ponds, carp, water lillies, drinking and great food! We settle for a drink and a rest. Over the road to investigate The Cricket Club, more good food and you guessed it - cricket (Andrew you would be in 7th heaven here!) which leaves me for cold, but after 2 weeks in SL I now at least know the names of 3 of the Australian Cricket team ....

DY is to start work the next day and we both feel a bit like the new kid at school, I don't know who is more nervous.